The NFL season is into Week 5 and with injuries piling up around the league for some teams at running back, free agents Michael Turner, Peyton Hillis, Beanie Wells and Joe McKnight could be options for teams that need depth at the position, as they are the top running backs on the market after Willis McGahee signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Both Turner and McKnight were cut this season, although it was at different points - as Turner was let go earlier in the spring due to a high salary and declining performance, while McKnight was cut during roster cut downs after training camp and during the preseason. Neither running back was in the "running" to get signed by the Browns and while the Giants looked at McKnight as a possibility, they signed Brandon Jacobs instead. Many have wondered why Truner, who was one of the most productive running backs in the NFL over a four year stretch, is still un employed, with some citing his age as well as his skills declining after he had his lowest total with the Falcons in rushing yards last season.
The Giants also previously looked at Beanie Wells and he could be an options going forward for teams and all three could fit for ones like the Pittsburgh Steelers, St. Louis Rams, Buffalo Bills Detroit Lions or even the Atlanta Falcons, who are dealing with the loss of Steven Jackson for at least two to three weeks after he was injured in week 2. The team has Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers, but after losing to the Dolphins in Week 3, they may want to add some depth to the position.
Turner could still be a dependable back in the league if someone gives him a chance, but that doesn't appear likely right now. Turner is on the older side of things and his past performance shows that he can be productive, but at this point in his career he needs the right offense and the right situation. While playing with the Falcons he had over 1,600 yards rushing in his first season and he was very productive over the past five years, rushing for over 1,300 yards two of the past three season and getting into double-digit touchdowns in the last five seasons.
Turner had just 800 yards last season on his lowest amount of carries since 2009 and while he has been durable, playing in 16 games in three straight seasons, his rushing yards have declined each year over that span. The Colts opted to trade for Trent Richardson when the opportunity came up, while the Browns decided not to look at Turner and went with McGahee instead.
The Broncos cut McGahee to go younger in the offense with Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman and last season he rushed for over 700 yards after dealing with a knee injury. The team felt more comfortable signing him after a knee injury rather than Turner and now he will be worked into the offense more. McGahee has been a productive back during his career as well and while he only played in 10 games last season, Cleveland feels that he can be the answer.
The Colts have already loved what they have got in Richardson, as he rushed for a touchdown in his first game. He fits their offense perfectly and Andrew Luck now doesn't have as much pressure on him as the team tries to make the playoffs again after turning around their 1-15 some the previous season to enable them to drat Luck. We'll see if anyone snags Turner, check back for more.